There is not a more exciting time to be involved in politics than right now! One of the hottest topics being debated and analyzed by our society is healthcare and how we can improve the quality, accessibility and cost effectiveness of the system. Currently Senator Jack Hatch of the Iowa State Senate is working to solve some of the issues facing our healthcare by restructuring some aspects of our healthcare system here in Iowa. At the Iowa Pharmacy Association’s Legislative Day students and pharmacists from around the state had the opportunity to listen to and discuss with State Senators and Representatives. Being healthcare providers and working to shift our own profession’s image from that of the dispensing pharmacist to one more focusing on our therapeutic drug knowledge and patient care skills, the current changing tides of healthcare are extremely important to the profession. Through working to reform healthcare it gives pharmacists the opportunity to voice our understanding of the healthcare system and what pharmacy’s role should be in a collaborative healthcare team.
Drew Roberts, a P2 at Drake University, and I are working on a very exciting and progressive bill that was drafted by Senator Hatch that will reform healthcare in Iowa. There is a large section of the bill that deals with pharmacy; in particular how pharmacists can contribute to the healthcare system to control the dollars being spent on healthcare by managing patient’s disease states through screenings and medication reviews. The bill also has a section dealing with bringing greater transparency to the reimbursement process between pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies.
I encourage you to take a look at the bill; it will have a very profound impact on pharmacy in Iowa if passed. I will keep you updated on the status of the bill in future blog posts- stay tuned!
The bill is entitled SF48 (SF stands for Senate File). Section VII is the section relating to pharmacy. Please feel free to post opinions/comments here on the blog!
http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&hbill=SF48
By Steph Swain, APhA-ASP President 2008-2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Legislative Day
This year’s legislative day was well attended by Drake including Professors and Students. The Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal gave the Keynote address talking about important bills being discussed in the Iowa legislature. In particular SF48 proposed by Senator Jack Hatch was the topic of discussion. The 2009 Health Care Reform Bill includes provisions that would let cities, small businesses, and nonprofit corporations, among others buy into the state employee health insurance. This would not only provide more Iowans with good insurance opportunities, it would also decrease the cost of insuring state employees by expanding the insurance pool.
The part of the bill that is of most interest to pharmacy is section VII providing an easier way for pharmacist to bill for Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services. It would also force Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) to be more transparent about their business practices. This might help explain why in some cases only the brand name drug is covered and not the cheaper generics. The bill also provides pharmacist the opportunity to do Academic or Counter Detailing to physicians after Drug Representatives are done talking to them.
Senator Hatch also spoke at Legislative Day about his impact on health care in Iowa, and while Senator Granstal talked a lot about the bill, Senator Hatch spoke about how he was going to get the bill passed. One way he plans to do this is by having aides/interns for each section of the bill educate his colleagues in the Iowa Legislature. While this is a tried and true method, one change was to have student pharmacist do this instead of law students for section VII. Our own Stephanie Swain and Drew Roberts were hired as interns for this purpose. They also talked about their experience so far in the student section.
The student section of legislative day was filled by two new legislators, Representatives Erik Helland and Nate Willems. They talked about the importance of one on one contact with representatives and how much impact it has on them. They also explained how much faster you can get their attention when you let them know you are a constituent. These are important lessons to remember as we try to influence legislators regarding the practice of pharmacy.
The legislative reception was not well attended by students though they were invited to it. This is unfortunate because it was an excellent opportunity to possibly meet your legislator and make a big impact for pharmacy in Iowa. Not only were there numerous legislators but the Governor also made an appearance for about 45 minutes. Hopefully next year more students will attend and continue to make Legislative Day a successful endeavor.
Al Abrahamsen
APhA SPAN Co-Chair
IPA Liaison
The part of the bill that is of most interest to pharmacy is section VII providing an easier way for pharmacist to bill for Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services. It would also force Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) to be more transparent about their business practices. This might help explain why in some cases only the brand name drug is covered and not the cheaper generics. The bill also provides pharmacist the opportunity to do Academic or Counter Detailing to physicians after Drug Representatives are done talking to them.
Senator Hatch also spoke at Legislative Day about his impact on health care in Iowa, and while Senator Granstal talked a lot about the bill, Senator Hatch spoke about how he was going to get the bill passed. One way he plans to do this is by having aides/interns for each section of the bill educate his colleagues in the Iowa Legislature. While this is a tried and true method, one change was to have student pharmacist do this instead of law students for section VII. Our own Stephanie Swain and Drew Roberts were hired as interns for this purpose. They also talked about their experience so far in the student section.
The student section of legislative day was filled by two new legislators, Representatives Erik Helland and Nate Willems. They talked about the importance of one on one contact with representatives and how much impact it has on them. They also explained how much faster you can get their attention when you let them know you are a constituent. These are important lessons to remember as we try to influence legislators regarding the practice of pharmacy.
The legislative reception was not well attended by students though they were invited to it. This is unfortunate because it was an excellent opportunity to possibly meet your legislator and make a big impact for pharmacy in Iowa. Not only were there numerous legislators but the Governor also made an appearance for about 45 minutes. Hopefully next year more students will attend and continue to make Legislative Day a successful endeavor.
Al Abrahamsen
APhA SPAN Co-Chair
IPA Liaison
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
A Look into the Diagnosis and Stages of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a common cancer among women. Many have probably heard of it especially since the cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil was advertised on television not long ago. However, the commercials always failed to explain the cancer or how it is diagnosed. Hopefully after reading this article one will better understand the diagnosis and stages of the cancer itself.
The best prevention for cervical cancer is a yearly Papanicolaou tests (also called Pap smears or Pap tests) from a gynecologist. A pap smear is a test that involves gathering some cervical cells from the outside of the cervix and inspecting them under a microscope to look for any abnormal cells. The grading system consists of five classes to describe the results of the test. Class I is the result when cells are normal and have no signs of malignancy. If atypical cells are found, this does not mean an individual has cancer nor is it a precursor to cancer. Abnormal cells can be caused by infections and are often temporary. In this case, the result would be a considered class II. If the result is considered class III, there are abnormal cells that are not invasive but they could also change back to normal. Class IV also consists of abnormal cells that are less likely to change back to normal than the class III cell types. Class V is the result when the individual has invasive cancer. If a pap test ever shows abnormal cells, the gynecologist may recommend retesting in a few months to assure that the abnormal cells are not due to an infection. If the test once more proves that the cervix has abnormalities, then the gynecologist may want to look at the tissue of the cervix with a colposcope. In this procedure, the doctor will also biopsy a portion of the irregular tissue to send to a pathologist to examine. If it is found that the tissue is indeed cancerous, then treatment will be started.¹
Treatment and prognosis are dependent on the extent of the cancer. Cervical cancer has different stages defined the American Joint Committee on Cancer’s (AJCC) TNM classification. TNM classification system has three parts to it. The T represents the size of the tumor; N describes lymph node involvement, and M stands for distant metastasis (spread of cancer to other parts of the body). Within in each part there are different numbers that represent the assessment of the tumor, nodes, or metastasis. The AJCC’s definition of the cancer stages involve each of the three parts of the TNM classification and have stages 0-IV. If you desire to know exactly what each are, go to the National Cancer Institute’s website at the following web address: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/cervical/HealthProfessional/page4. ²
The most important part of preventing cervical cancer is annual Papanicolaou tests from a gynecologist. This assures that any abnormalities are caught early and watched for development to allow for a better prognosis for the individual.¹ It’s also encouraged that females 9 to 26 years of age get the Gardasil vaccine to help improve chance of avoiding cervical cancer.³
By: Jasmine Cessna
References:
1. Minkin, Mary Jane, and Carol Wright. The Yale Guide to Women’s Reproductive Health. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2003.
2. National Cancer Institute. 16 May 2008. National Cancer Institute. 24 January 2009.
3. Gardasil. 2008. Merck & Co., Inc. 24 January 2009
The best prevention for cervical cancer is a yearly Papanicolaou tests (also called Pap smears or Pap tests) from a gynecologist. A pap smear is a test that involves gathering some cervical cells from the outside of the cervix and inspecting them under a microscope to look for any abnormal cells. The grading system consists of five classes to describe the results of the test. Class I is the result when cells are normal and have no signs of malignancy. If atypical cells are found, this does not mean an individual has cancer nor is it a precursor to cancer. Abnormal cells can be caused by infections and are often temporary. In this case, the result would be a considered class II. If the result is considered class III, there are abnormal cells that are not invasive but they could also change back to normal. Class IV also consists of abnormal cells that are less likely to change back to normal than the class III cell types. Class V is the result when the individual has invasive cancer. If a pap test ever shows abnormal cells, the gynecologist may recommend retesting in a few months to assure that the abnormal cells are not due to an infection. If the test once more proves that the cervix has abnormalities, then the gynecologist may want to look at the tissue of the cervix with a colposcope. In this procedure, the doctor will also biopsy a portion of the irregular tissue to send to a pathologist to examine. If it is found that the tissue is indeed cancerous, then treatment will be started.¹
Treatment and prognosis are dependent on the extent of the cancer. Cervical cancer has different stages defined the American Joint Committee on Cancer’s (AJCC) TNM classification. TNM classification system has three parts to it. The T represents the size of the tumor; N describes lymph node involvement, and M stands for distant metastasis (spread of cancer to other parts of the body). Within in each part there are different numbers that represent the assessment of the tumor, nodes, or metastasis. The AJCC’s definition of the cancer stages involve each of the three parts of the TNM classification and have stages 0-IV. If you desire to know exactly what each are, go to the National Cancer Institute’s website at the following web address: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/cervical/HealthProfessional/page4. ²
The most important part of preventing cervical cancer is annual Papanicolaou tests from a gynecologist. This assures that any abnormalities are caught early and watched for development to allow for a better prognosis for the individual.¹ It’s also encouraged that females 9 to 26 years of age get the Gardasil vaccine to help improve chance of avoiding cervical cancer.³
By: Jasmine Cessna
References:
1. Minkin, Mary Jane, and Carol Wright. The Yale Guide to Women’s Reproductive Health. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2003.
2. National Cancer Institute. 16 May 2008. National Cancer Institute. 24 January 2009
3. Gardasil. 2008. Merck & Co., Inc. 24 January 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Top 10 Patient Counseling Competition Winners
Congratulations to the Top 10 Patient Counseling Competition Winners!
Top 3 winners of the Drake APhA-ASP Patient Counseling Competition:
1. Randi Ridgeway
2. Ashley Weisensel
3. Annelise Nelson
Remaining 7 in no particular order
Lisa Koselke, Daphne Pearson, Laura Kingkade, Kristen Zorich, Austin Ewing, Archana Jhawar, Erin McCleeary
Randi will be representing Drake's APhA-ASP chapter in the National Patient Competition at the APhA Annual Meeting in San Antonio Texas. Annual Meeting is being held over April 3 - 6th.
Congratulations!
Top 3 winners of the Drake APhA-ASP Patient Counseling Competition:
1. Randi Ridgeway
2. Ashley Weisensel
3. Annelise Nelson
Remaining 7 in no particular order
Lisa Koselke, Daphne Pearson, Laura Kingkade, Kristen Zorich, Austin Ewing, Archana Jhawar, Erin McCleeary
Randi will be representing Drake's APhA-ASP chapter in the National Patient Competition at the APhA Annual Meeting in San Antonio Texas. Annual Meeting is being held over April 3 - 6th.
Congratulations!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Flu Shots
As student pharmacists we are more often helping people after they get sick. However, there are areas that pharmacists can get involved to help prevent illness. One such area is vaccinations. Pharmacists can play a strong role in helping people to avoid getting diseases such as influenza, or the flu. Every year in the United States about 5-20% of the population catches the flu. On average 200,00 people are hospitalized because of complications from the flu and 36,000 people may die. The flu is an illness that can be prevented quite easily.
Getting an annual flu vaccine can greatly reduce a person’s risk of catching the flu. The vaccine can be given by two methods. The first is the shot that most people think of when they think of getting vaccinated. The shot uses an inactivated virus and is injected intramuscularly. The shot can be given to anyone over the age of 6 months. The other method is the nasal spray, or Flu Mist. This method uses a live attenuated, or weakened, virus and is simply sprayed into both nostrils of the person receiving the vaccine. Because this is a live virus, only healthy people between the ages of 2-49 should be vaccinated by this route. Also pregnant women should not receive Flu Mist.
Almost everyone should be vaccinated. However, there are certain people that we really want to make sure they get vaccinated yearly. As student pharmacists we can screen for these higher risk patients and encourage them to get vaccinated. People in this group include those over 50 years old, those with chronic diseases, people who live in nursing homes, people who are risk for complications, and anyone who lives with or works with people at risk for complications.
Whether or not you are able to administer vaccinations, you can take a great role in helping your patients stay healthy by encouraging everyone to get vaccinated. It’s a simple way to prevent catching the flu. And don’t forget to protect yourself from the flu also.
By: Amanda Abrahamsen
Getting an annual flu vaccine can greatly reduce a person’s risk of catching the flu. The vaccine can be given by two methods. The first is the shot that most people think of when they think of getting vaccinated. The shot uses an inactivated virus and is injected intramuscularly. The shot can be given to anyone over the age of 6 months. The other method is the nasal spray, or Flu Mist. This method uses a live attenuated, or weakened, virus and is simply sprayed into both nostrils of the person receiving the vaccine. Because this is a live virus, only healthy people between the ages of 2-49 should be vaccinated by this route. Also pregnant women should not receive Flu Mist.
Almost everyone should be vaccinated. However, there are certain people that we really want to make sure they get vaccinated yearly. As student pharmacists we can screen for these higher risk patients and encourage them to get vaccinated. People in this group include those over 50 years old, those with chronic diseases, people who live in nursing homes, people who are risk for complications, and anyone who lives with or works with people at risk for complications.
Whether or not you are able to administer vaccinations, you can take a great role in helping your patients stay healthy by encouraging everyone to get vaccinated. It’s a simple way to prevent catching the flu. And don’t forget to protect yourself from the flu also.
By: Amanda Abrahamsen
Monday, October 27, 2008
How to Write a Letter to your Congressman (Representative or Senator)
Step 1: Who am I writing my letter to?
Go to http://www.legis.state.ia.us/
Click on “Find Your Legislator”
Type in your home street address
The contact information for all of your legislators is listed
Step 2: How should a letter to my legislator be formatted?
You can find a letter template from APhA that will walk you through letter writing etiquette at http://www.aphanet.org/Content/NavigationMenu2/PolicyAdvocacy/APhAASPLegislativeAdvocacy/CommunicatingwithLegislators/Sample_Letter.htm
General Letter Writing Tips:
-Let your legislator know you are one of their constituents
-Tell your legislator who you are and where you are studying pharmacy
-Be straight forward and state what bill you are writing about and what action you want your legislator to take (Are you for or against the bill)
-Be polite
-Personal stories relating to the bill can be helpful in making your point
-Thank your legislator for their time
-Let your legislator know they can contact you if they have any questions regarding your position on the bill
Step 3: How do I mail my letter?
E-mail is a convenient contact method for you and your legislator
You can contact your legislator’s staff to see what communication method your legislator prefers
In the subject line of the e-mail be sure you include the name of the bill you are referring to and your hometown
Go to http://www.legis.state.ia.us/
Click on “Find Your Legislator”
Type in your home street address
The contact information for all of your legislators is listed
Step 2: How should a letter to my legislator be formatted?
You can find a letter template from APhA that will walk you through letter writing etiquette at http://www.aphanet.org/Content/NavigationMenu2/PolicyAdvocacy/APhAASPLegislativeAdvocacy/CommunicatingwithLegislators/Sample_Letter.htm
General Letter Writing Tips:
-Let your legislator know you are one of their constituents
-Tell your legislator who you are and where you are studying pharmacy
-Be straight forward and state what bill you are writing about and what action you want your legislator to take (Are you for or against the bill)
-Be polite
-Personal stories relating to the bill can be helpful in making your point
-Thank your legislator for their time
-Let your legislator know they can contact you if they have any questions regarding your position on the bill
Step 3: How do I mail my letter?
E-mail is a convenient contact method for you and your legislator
You can contact your legislator’s staff to see what communication method your legislator prefers
In the subject line of the e-mail be sure you include the name of the bill you are referring to and your hometown
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